The SMS-based BPI Express Mobile in SMART Menu allows Smart users to enjoy the convenience of doing wide range of bank transactions such as balance inquiry, fund transfers, bills payment, SMART prepaid airtime reloading and SMART Money reloading through their mobile phones. The SMS-based works with the text messaging facility of Smart, even without connecting to the internet. BPI Express Mobile was made available to Smart subscribers on September 2009.

BPI Express Mobile also comes in another variant — Internet-based. With Internet-based BPI Express Mobile, you can do the same transactions as SMS-based and more except Smart Money related transactions. To learn more about Internet-based BPI Express Mobile, click here.

Here’s how to setup and use SMS-based BPI Express Mobile on your Smart cellphone.

A. Register for BPI Express Mobile

1. Register your cellphone and account number.
   

   Text ENROLL <Account Number> <Joint Account Indicator> and send to 3274.

   *The Joint Account Indicator is the 2-digit number in the lower right portion of your ATM card.
   

2. Activate your enrollment through any of BPI’s ATMs nationwide.
   1. Insert Express Teller ATM Card
   2. Key-in your Pesonal Identification Number (PIN)
   3. Choose Special Services. Choose Activate Enrollment
   4. Choose EConnect – SMS Enrollment
   5. BPI will send a text message containing your initial Mobile PIN (MPIN) after (1) banking day

   

   Your initial MPIN is 157362. CHG your MPIN now! Send CHG oldMPIN newMPIN to 3274. Ref#111608314976

3. Change the initial MPIN to your own MPIN.
   

   CHG <Initial MPIN> <Own MPIN> send to 3274

   BPI will send a confirmation message.

   You have successfully changed your MPIN. Access your accounts anytime, anywhere with BPI Express Mobile. Go to Smart Menu > Mobile Banking > Activate Bank > enter BPI > enter MPIN. P2.5/txn Ref#06670345

B. Activate Mobile Banking Menu in your cellphone

1. Choose Mobile Banking in SMART Menu.
2. Choose Activate. If you already have an active bank, proceed to step 4.
3. Smart will send a text message confirming activation
4. Choose Activate Bank
5. Choose m-Pin
6. Enter BPI as Bank Code
7. Press OK to confirm
8. Enter m-Pin
9. Smart will send text messages confirming activation. BPI should now appear under Mobile Banking

Now, you are ready to use BPI Express Mobile!

C. Use BPI Express Mobile

1. Balance Inquiry for Deposit Accounts (Savings or Checking)
   

   BAL <MPIN> <AccountKey> send to 3274

   Account Key is composed of 2-letter Account Type and last 4 digits of your account number. Account Type; SA = Savings Account, CA = Checking Account. (e.g. SA1234). Balance Inquiry is also available in your Smart Menu.

2. Fund Transfer (to own deposit accounts only)
   1. Choose BPI from Mobile Banking Menu
   2. Choose Transfer
   3. Select Recipient Account
   4. Select Source Account
   5. Select Currency
   6. Enter amount to be transferred. Use either # or * in place of a decimal point.
   7. Enter M-PIN
   8. BPI will send a text message containing the details of the fund transfer

   
   

3. BPI to Smart Money Transfer. Transaction fee is Php 15 to be deducted from your BPI account. If you want to transfer Php 8,000 to your Smart Money, you will be charged Php 8,015 from your BPI account.
   1. Choose Smart Money from Smart Menu
   2. Choose Reload Money
   3. Select the Smart Money Card to be reloaded
   4. Choose BPI
   5. Select Source Account
   6. Enter amount to be transferred
   7. Enter M-PIN
   8. Smart will send a text message containing details of Smart Money reload

   
   

4. Smart Money to BPI Transfer. I tried it, it’s not working. I called Smart and they told me this is not possible. I’ll just write this down in case they implement this in the future.
   1. Choose Smart Money from Smart Menu
   2. Choose Transfer
   3. Choose Bank
   4. Choose BPI
   5. Select Recipient Account
   6. Select Smart Money Card to be debited from
   7. Enter the amount to be transferred
   8. Enter W-PIN
5. Reload Smart/TNT Prepaid
   1. Choose BPI from Mobile Banking Menu
   2. Choose Reload Prepaid
   3. Choose Buddy/TNT or Smart Bro
   4. Choose My Buddies (see Personalized Lists C6 to add Buddies) or Others.
   5. Select or Enter Mobile number
   6. Select Source Account
   7. Select the amount to be reloaded
   8. Enter M-PIN
   9. Smart will send a text message containing details of the reload

   
   

6. Bills Payment. Requires BPI-Smart Biller Codes.
7. Personalize Lists (for My Buddies and My Bills).
   1. Go to Smart Money > Personalize > My Lists > Add
   2. Choose My Buddies to add Buddies or choose My Bills to add billing accounts. Only Smart Money Biller Codes can be saved in “My Bills” list.

For other transactions, visit BPI Express Mobile for Smart.

The SMS-based BPI Express Mobile in Globe Menu allows Globe users to check on their account, perform fund transfers, or load their GCASH wallet straight from their BPI account. The SMS-based works with the text messaging facility of Globe, even without connecting to the internet. It was initially available to Globe subscribers.

BPI Express Mobile also comes in another variant — Internet-based. With Internet-based BPI Express Mobile, you can do the same transactions as SMS-based and more except GCash related transactions. To learn more about Internet-based BPI Express Mobile, click here.

Here’s how to setup and use SMS-based BPI Express Mobile on your Globe cellphone.

A. Setup BPI Mobile in Globe Menu

• For Globe SIMs issued before February 2009, download the BPI Express Mobile menu on your Globe cellphone. Downloading the menu may take between 1-2 minutes. This is free of charge.
  1. Go to Globe Svcs+
  2. Choose myFavorites
  3. Choose Add Favorites
  4. Choose What’s Hot
  5. Choose BPI Mobile

  
  After downloading the menu successfully, the BPI Express Mobile menu is now listed under Globe Svcs+ – myFavorites – BPI Mobile.
  

• For Globe SIMs issued February 2009 onwards, the BPI menu is already saved in you SIM. Choose Globe Prepaid/ Postpaid > Specials > Mobile Banking > BPI

B. Register for BPI Express Mobile

1. Register your cellphone and account number.
   

   Text ENROLL <Account Number> <Joint Account Indicator> and send to 2274.

   *The Joint Account Indicator is the 2-digit number in the lower right portion of your ATM card.
   

2. Activate your enrollment through any of BPI’s ATMs nationwide.
   1. Insert Express Teller ATM Card
   2. Key-in your Pesonal Identification Number (PIN)
   3. Choose Special Services. Choose Activate Enrollment
   4. Choose EConnect – SMS Enrollment
   5. BPI will send a text message containing your initial Mobile PIN (MPIN) after (1) banking day

   

3. Change the initial MPIN to your own MPIN.
   

   CHG <Initial MPIN> <Own MPIN> send to 2274

   
   Now, you are ready to use BPI Express Mobile!

C. Use BPI Express Mobile

1. Balance Inquiry for Deposit Accounts (Savings or Checking)
   

   BAL <MPIN> <AccountKey> send to 2274

   Account Key is composed of 2-letter Account Type and last 4 digits of your account number. Account Type; SA = Savings Account, CA = Checking Account. (e.g. SA1234). Balance Inquiry is also available in your Globe Menu.

2. Fund Transfer
   1. Choose Fund Transfer from BPI Mobile Menu
   2. Enter your 6-digit Mobile PIN (MPIN)
   3. Enter the amount to be transferred
   4. Choose Enter Account to manually enter the source account number and the recipient account number
   5. Enter the Account Key of the source account. Account Key is explained in Balance Inquiry for Deposit Accounts (C1).
   6. Enter 10-digit account number of the recipient
   7. Click OK to proceed with the transfer
   8. If the transfer is successful, a confirmation will be displayed on the screen
   9. BPIMobile will send a text message containing the details of the fund transfer.

   
   

3. BPI to GCASH Transfer. Transaction fee is Php 15 to be deducted from your BPI account. If you want to transfer Php 8,000 to your GCash wallet, you will be charged Php 8,015 from your BPI account.
   1. Choose GCash Transfer from BPI Mobile Menu
   2. Choose Bank to GCash
   3. Enter your 6-digit Mobile PIN (MPIN)
   4. Enter the amount to be transferred
   5. Choose Enter Account to manually enter the source account number
   6. Enter the Account Key of the source account. Account Key is explained in Balance Inquiry for Deposit Accounts (C1).
   7. Click OK to proceed with the transfer
   8. If the transfer is successful, a confirmation will be displayed on the screen
   9. Globe GCash (2882) will send a text message containing the details of the GCash transfer.

   
   

4. GCASH to BPI Transfer. Transaction fee is Php 70 or 1% whichever is higher (to be deducted from your BPI account). If you want to transfer Php 500 to your BPI account, the transaction fee would be Php 70, therefore you will be debited Php 500 from GCash and Php 70 from your BPI account. If you want to transfer Php 8,000 to your BPI account, the transaction fee would be Php 80, therefore you will be debited Php 8,000 from GCash and Php 80 from your BPI account.
   1. Choose GCash Transfer from BPI Mobile Menu
   2. Choose GCash to Bank
   3. Enter your 6-digit Mobile PIN (MPIN)
   4. Enter the amount to be transferred
   5. Enter your 4-digit GCash PIN
   6. Choose Enter Account to manually enter the source account number
   7. Enter the Account Key of the source account. Account Key is explained in Balance Inquiry for Deposit Accounts (C1).
   8. Click OK to proceed with the transfer
   9. If the transfer is successful, a confirmation will be displayed on the screen
   10. Globe GCash (2882) will send a text message containing the details of the GCash transfer.

   
   

5. Reload Globe/TM Prepaid. Requires enrollment.
6. Reload Express Cash/Express Money Order. Requires enrollment.
7. Bills Payment. Requires enrollment.

For other transactions, visit BPI Express Mobile for Globe.

Google has developed an optional security feature called 2-step verification?that helps protect Google accounts from identity theft and other online threats. ?Using?Google’s 2-step verification, signing into Google account requires?both?your password?and?a verification code you will receive on your mobile phone via SMS.?

The 2-step verification works by entering a short numeric code called the “verification code” that will be sent to your mobile phone via SMS. You will need to enter this verification code in addition to your?username and password when you sign in.

After signing in, Google will ask you for a verification code. From the phone number +447781470659, Google will send a text message like this:

Your Google verification code is <6-digit number>

To setup 2-step verification:

1. Login to your Gmail account
2. Click Account Settings.
3. Under Personal Settings, click Using 2-step verification.
4. Choose how you’d like to get verification codes.?To receive ?by SMS, choose Text message (SMS) or voice call.
   
5. Add a mobile number where Google can send codes. To test your phone, click?Send code?and check your phone for the verification code. Enter the code you receive on your mobile phone then click?Verify.
   
6. Your phone is now configured to receive verification codes. Click Next and follow the rest of the instructions.
   
7. Finally, turn on 2-step verification.?The next time you sign in, Google will ask you for your password and a verification code

Turning on 2-step verification is a sure way to make your account safe. So even if your password has been stolen, you are confident that the potential hijacker will not be able to sign in to your account because they don’t have your phone.

Do you want to know which mobile phone number belongs to which network? Below is a list of mobile number prefixes used by Globe, Smart, Sun Cellular, Red Mobile, Talk ‘N Text, and Touch Mobile. This list is useful for those who often subscribe to unlimited text or call services.

Mobile phone area codes in the Philippines are composed of three digits and always start with the number 9. Originally, there were only three prefixes or area codes used for mobile phones: 917 for Globe Telecom, 918 for Smart Communications and 973 for Express Telecom, the three existing mobile companies at the time. As service grew rapidly throughout the 1990s and even until today, existing codes have been exhausted and new codes have been added to fulfill demand. [Source: Wikipedia]

Globe GCASH and Smart Money are the two available mobile money platforms in the Philippines. Here are the comparison between Globe GCASH and Smart Money?in terms of registration, sending money, withdrawal, security and other features.

Transaction Method

• Most Globe GCASH trasactions are mostly?SMS-based. Globe has GCASH menu but it has to be downloaded first.
• Most Smart Money transactions are done using the?Smart Menu.

Smart Menu comes pre-installed with Smart Money Menu.

Registration/Sign-up Process

• To sign-up for Globe GCASH, all you need to do is register via text message. Once registered, you can already start using GCASH.
• To sign-up for Smart Money, you first need to register thru Smart Menu or SMS.?Then apply for a Smart Money Mastercard at your nearest?Smart Wireless Center?and present a valid ID. It may take up to?7 days for the card to arrive. You cannot use Smart Money unless you get your card.

Applying for a Smart Money account can take up to seven days or more. Meanwhile, applying for GCASH only takes 5 minutes. No need to go to any Globe business center. No need to present a valid ID.?But the only problem with GCASH is their easy sign up process. Because Globe doesn’t require any proof of identification upon sign up, the system can be easily manipulated by scammers by creating a fake GCASH account.

Account Number

• When you register for GCASH, your GCASH account number is your 10-digit mobile number.
• When you register for Smart Money, there are two account numbers you need to remember – your Smart Money account number and your?16-digit Smart Money Mastercard number. The 16-digit Smart Money Mastercard number will be used for making transactions.

By using Smart Money, giving away long account numbers can be quite confusing and difficult in making transactions. With GCASH, you only need to give your mobile number as your account number. It is not only easier to remember but the receipient can also be rest assured of the person they are transacting with.

Deposit/Cash In

• To deposit money in your GCASH wallet, you need to go to a Globe Business Center or any accredited GCASH partner and request to do a cash-in transaction. You need to present a valid ID.
• To deposit money in your Smart Money account, you need to go Over The Counter (OTC) at any Smart Wireless Center, BDO branch or any Smart Money accredited outlet.

Sending Money

• Sending money from your GCASH wallet to another GCASH wallet costs Php 2.50/transaction to be deducted from your predpaid/postpaid account. A confirmation message will be sent to both the sender and the receiver after a successful transaction.
• Sending money from your Smart Money account to another Smart Money account?costs Php 2.50/transaction to be deducted from your predpaid/postpaid account.?A confirmation message will be sent to both the sender and the receiver after a successful transaction.

ATM Card/Debit Card

• GCASH ATM card can only be used for withdrawing money from GCASH account. Applying for a GCASH ATM card costs Php 100.00
• Smart Money Mastercard is a debit card. Aside from withdrawing money, it can also be used to purchase at any store that accepts Mastercard, even online. Applying for a Smart Money Mastercard costs Php 120.00.

Smart Money Mastercard is more flexible?than GCASH ATM. Smart Money Mastercard can be used for both purchasing and withdrawal. While GCASH ATM can only be used for withdrawal of funds.

Withdrawal/Cash Out

• To withdraw funds from GCASH account, visit your nearest Globe Business center or any accredited GCASH partner, request a cash-out transaction and present a valid ID. Some Globe Business Center may charge a fee. You can also use your GCASH ATM card to withdraw from any ATM nationwide. ATM withdrawal fee is Php 20.00.
• To withdraw funds from Smart Money, you can visit your nearest Smart Wireless center or use your Smart Money Mastercard to withdraw at any BDO ATMs nationwide. ATM withdrawal fee is Php 3.00.

With Smart Money Mastercard, you can withdraw funds from your Smart Money account for only Php 3.00 per withdrawal at any BDO ATMS nationwide. Smart obviously wins here.

Security

• GCASH has no security feature.
• Smart Money Mastercard has a lock feature that prevents your account from making online purchases when it is locked. So unlock your account only when you need to shop online. It auto-locks after 10 minutes.?Unlocking fee is Php 2.50/unlock and will be deducted from your prepaid load/postpaid account

GCASH’s easy sign-up process has attracted a lot of users and?now they have more subscribers than Smart Money. GCASH users has has no problem adopting to the SMS-based sending of money. But a lot don’t yet realize the advantage of using Smart Money. Smart Money’s long registration process can be quite confusing at first. But after registration, the rest of the transactions are hassle free. Starting from the simplicity of Smart Menu, the flexibility of?Smart Money Mastercards, and the low cost withdrawal thru BDO ATMS, Smart offers more that GCASH.

Globe now offers GCASH account holders a convenient way of withdrawing money from any ATM across the country. Unlike before, where users had to find a Globe business center to do a “cash-out” transaction, GCASH ATM card enables users to withdraw money at any Bancnet, Megalink, ExpressNet and Encash Automated Teller Machines in the Philippines. GCASH card holders will becharged Php 20.00 per withdrawal that will automatically be deducted from their GCASH wallet.

GCASH ATM card

For the price of Php 100.00, subscribers can get a customizable GCASH ATM card with their 1×1 photo ID placed at the back of the card. This can also serve as a valid ID for GCASH transactions.

To apply for a GCASH card:

1. Go to GCASH website.
2. Choose a background for your card from the default designs provided. You can also upload your own background.
3. Fill up the application form with your name, mobile number, address, date of birth, and a 1×1 ID picture to be placed at the back of the GCASH card.
4. Upon submission, you will recieve an SMS from Globe requesting to collect Php 100.00 from your GCASH wallet as payment for the GCASH card application. Reply with your MPIN to complete the transaction.

Applicants must ensure they have enough load on their GCASH wallet because a Php 100.00 application fee will be deducted from their account. Delivery may take up to two weeks.

Globe also created a simple online game that can help GCASH subscribers win GCASH credits. It is called the GCASH Coin City Electromagnet Game. This promo is open to Globe or TM subscribers who are?non-GCASH card holders yet. Playing the game is easy. Just pick up as many coins as possible using the electronic magnet. Each coin is equivalent to Php 1 worth of GCASH credit. The credit can only be claimed upon? application and payment of GCASH card. Promo runs from October 1 – November 30, 2010.

Globe GCASH has teamed up with Boku/Paymo to revolutionalize the world of virtual payments. Through this partnership both companies will be able to reach their global targets in the world of mobile commerce. This will allow their users to purchase virtual goods from any merchant in the Boku global merchant network including, Facebook.

This means Facebook users in the Philippines will now be able to use GCASH to purchase game credits any Facebook game operated by Zynga and Playfish. Zynga games include Farmville, Cafe World, Mafia Wars, Zynga Poker, Treasure Isle. Playfish games include Restaurant City, Pet Society, Hotel City.

To purchase game credits using GCASH, simply go to the payment page of any Facebook game operated by Zynga or Playfish then choose Boku/Paymo. Enter your mobile phone number and GCASH Mpin. Once the transaction has been completed, you will receive a text message from Globe? stating the details of the payment.

Metro Manila was recently hit by Typhoon Ondoy leaving people’s homes submerged in flood. The easiest way to help is by donating through SMS. Send your SMS donations for Ondoy victims to the following:

Philippine National Red Cross (SMS or G-CASH)

RED <amount> to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)

DONATE <amount> <4-digit M-PIN> REDCROSS to 2882

TXTPower
Globe GCash: 0917-9751092
Smart Money: 5577-5144-1866-7103

All donations coursed through TXTPower will be sent to the Philippine National Red Cross.

Pinoy Bingo Night, which originated from America’s National Bingo Night, is the newest game show of ABS-CBN hosted by Ms. Kris Aquino.

Everyday, 200 studio audiences, called as Bingoers, will play and compete against the Solo Studio contestatant. The Bingoers can win 50,000 pesos for every game, while the Solo Studio contestant can win up to 1 million pesos. Home viewers will also have a chance to play either as Home Player or Text Player and can win 200,000 pesos.

To join as texter, text

PBN <last name>,<first name>/<age>/<gender>/<address> to 2366

P2.50/txt for Globe, TM,  Smart, Talk and Text
P2/txt for Sun Cellular

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the low fare leader in the local aviation industry is the first local airline to introduce E-ticketing and TxtCEB (booking through SMS) in the country.

TxtCEB allows anyone to get updates on Cebu Pacific‘s special flights and promos or book a Cebu Pacific flight through their cellphones (domestic bookings only). To start, here’s how:

For Globe, Touch Mobile subscribers, text

CEB FLIGHT or CEB HELP and send to 2982.

For Smart, Talk N’ Text and Addict Mobile subscribers, text

CEB to 2952

For Sun Cellular subscribers, text

CEB or CEB HELP and send to 2982

Then follow the SMS prompts. It only takes a minimum of 5 SMS messages to book a Cebu Pacific flight. You will be charged a minimal amount per text message received; P2.50 for Globe, Touch Mobile, Smart, Talk ‘N Text and Addict Mobile and P2.00 for Sun Cellular subscribers. Confirmed bookings cannot be paid via SMS. You still have to pay over the counter at any Cebu Pacific ticket office. You will be charged the fare confirmed by txtCEB at the date of ticket purchase.